National Jamboree

From MeritBadgeDotOrg

The National Scout Jamboree is a gathering, or jamboree of thousands of members of the Boy Scouts of America, usually held every four years and organized by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Referred to as "the Jamboree", "Jambo", or NSJ, Scouts from all over the nation and world have the opportunity to attend. They are considered to be one of several unique experiences that the Boy Scouts of America offers. The first jamboree was held in 1937 in Washington, D.C. 1937 and attracted 25,000 Scouts, who camped around the Washington Monument and Tidal Basin. The event was covered extensively by national media and attended by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Jamborees have been held in a number of locations including Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, Idahoe, and since 1981, the jamboree has been located Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. The BSA is searching for a new permanent site as of the 2013 jamboree.

Daily activities include the merit badge midway with typically 80 offerings, a re-creation of Robert Baden-Powell’s original Scout camp on Brownsea Island, entertainment stages, and more. The arena shows are a highlight for all participants.

A jamboree is held for ten consecutive days and offers many activities for youth participants and the 300,000 members of the general public who visit it. The jamboree is Scouting at its very best!